Carnet d'adresses
Written by WLE
New York City never ceases to amaze, especially during the holiday season. Explore our top picks for an unforgettable trip filled with exceptional dining, craft cocktails, indulgent brunches, stunning views, and a sprinkle of magical Christmas cheer.
RESTAURANTS
SoHo
Balthazar, a French brasserie with a vintage ambiance offers a slice of France in SoHo. This New York classic is a top destination so be sure to stay alert as you might spot a celebrity!
Lower East Side
Katz’s Delicatessen is a historic New York landmark famous for its exceptional pastrami sandwiches. Don’t let the line dissuade you; the wait is well worth it for their generous, American style portions.
Greenwich Village
Semma brings South Indian cuisine to life with a modern twist on traditional dishes. This Michelin-starred restaurant embraces bold spices and aims to deliver an authentic experience.
Midtown Manhattan
THE GRILL elevates American dining to new heights in a glamorous setting reminiscent of a movie scene. More than just a restaurant, it offers an experience where guests dress for the occasion and enjoy live music alongside their state-of-the-art meal.
East Village
Raku is a small, intimate restaurant renowned for its outstanding udon. With its minimalist Japanese décor and high-quality ingredients, it provides a remarkable dining experience.
Chelsea
Jack’s Wife Freda offers a Mediterranean brunch experience where everyone is greeted like family. They aim to recreate the feeling of being welcomed home by loved ones with their delicious all-day menu.
Hav & Mar stands out from other seafood restaurants by blending Ethiopian and Swedish culinary traditions to create a unique fusion of flavors.
Hudson Yards
Mercado Little Spain is an indoor market concept featuring a selection of restaurants, bars, counters, and shops for a casual dining experience. This diverse setup offers more choices than a single restaurant all in one place.
CAFÉS
Nolita
Koré Coffee is a Korean café offering tasty specialty drinks and delectable Croffles – a unique hybrid of croissants and waffles – perfect for a delightful treat.
Williamsburg
Devoción offers farm-fresh Colombian coffee with the motto “origin to cup” in just 10 days, ensuring that the coffee retains its rich flavor. It's a trendy spot with ample space to lounge and savor your coffee.
Midtown Manhattan
% Arabica shares its love for coffee through its numerous locations worldwide. It also serves a variety of freshly baked goods in a beautiful, minimalist setting – ideal for a daytime break from the busy city.
SoHo
La Cabra is a wildly popular Scandinavian coffee and bakery with a focus on rare and interesting coffees. With its curated Danish design, the space feels organic and balanced.
NoMad
Stumptown Coffee Roasters, located in the dark, rustic lobby of the Ace Hotel, attracts both travelers and locals with its tasteful coffee. It’s a paradise for coffee enthusiasts, offering a rich aroma and masterfully balanced flavors.
Tribeca
Maman is an old-fashioned café brimming with charm, serving coffee, tea, pastries, and brunch. Its cozy décor, aesthetic boutique, fresh flowers, and charming dishes make for a delightful experience.
Bushwick
SEY Coffee is an artisanal micro roastery proudly based in Brooklyn. They offer seasonal coffee, and their roastery is in the back of the café, allowing you to watch them at work.
NoHo
Cha Cha Matcha is the perfect spot for matcha enthusiasts who prefer it over coffee. Specializing in matcha, they might just serve the best you’ve ever had, along with delicious matcha pastries.
DRINKS
Upper East Side
Bemelmans Bar is the place to be and be seen. Calling all art and music lovers to enjoy the murals and piano jazz performances in a luxurious setting.
Tribeca
Holywater features a nautical theme, specializing in seafood and oysters, allowing you to immerse yourself in the life of a sailor. It combines the charm of a local pub with the quality of an exceptional dining experience.
Lower East Side
Bar Goto Niban introduces Tokyo's bar culture to the city, offering excellent drinks crafted with Japanese ingredients and delectable small bites.
Cobble Hill
Clover Club is the go-to spot for locals seeking a quality drink in Brooklyn. It has a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of the classic Speakeasy era, a vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.
Chelsea
Chez Zou is a vibrant and bold spot featuring creative cocktails that play with classic flavors. The drinks are lively and colorful, with unexpected combinations that promise a fun experience.
Williamsburg
Bar Blondeau is a chic rooftop bar à la French that offers shared plates and a delicious natural wine selection for the best tasting experience accompanied by impressive views.
Financial District
Overstory, a contemporary cocktail bar on the 64th floor, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, letting you marvel at the concrete jungle while sipping on exquisite cocktails. Be prepared to be awestruck.
SWEETS
Magnolia Bakery for their mythical cupcakes and classic American baked goods,
Levain Bakery for big chunky cookies served hot,
Ladurée for their exquisite French delicacies, and
Junior’s for the iconic New York cheesecake you simply can’t miss.
TYPICAL
Take a stroll around Central Park to discover all it has to offer, get a view of the Empire State Building amidst the city's numerous tall buildings, walk the High Line from one end to the other to experience nature and art all in one journey, sit back and enjoy a session of people-watching in Washington Square Park, catch a ferry to see the Statue of Liberty while enjoying spectacular views of the city, and dare to reach New York City’s highest observation deck at Edge for a thrilling experience on top of the clouds.
CULTURAL
Explore the exceptional collections at the famous MET and MoMA while immersing yourself in their iconic masterpieces on display, visit the Morgan Library and Museum to see its exceptional collection of rare books, don’t miss out on the staple of the city’s culture which is the enchanting spectacle of Broadway shows, and catch an exciting game at the well-known Yankee Stadium.
SHOPPING
Explore the lively neighborhood of Hudson Yards or visit the Westfield World Trade Center, Manhattan’s largest and arguably most impressive shopping complex. Enjoy a shopping spree while marveling at the architectural wonders of both locations.Head to the famous Fifth Avenue, between 49th Street and 69th Street, for luxury boutiques where window shopping is as thrilling as actual shopping, thanks to the breathtaking displays.Head to Chelsea Market in the Meatpacking District, where fresh food, artists, and flea markets converge. Discover unique artisanal souvenirs and explore intriguing boutiques to uncover hidden gems.
HOLIDAYS
Holiday season in New York is very special. If you want to see greatly decorated houses like in the movies though, step out of Manhattan ang head to Brooklyn. Here, an area known as Dyker Heights is the kingdom of Christmas magic!
In Manhattan, one of the most iconic Christmas shows you can see to put you in the mood is The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Rockettes, and held at the Radio City Music Hall. A stop by the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is an absolute must! Towering at more than 20 meters (it’s the minimum height required), it’s spectacular and stays illuminated all day long, from 5 AM to 1 AM.
Note that you can even skate right under, on the skating rink (but be patient, queues are long). Walking on Fifth Avenue and admire the boutiques display is another way to enjoy this time of year. The department Store Macy’s of the Herald Square even dedicates its entire 8th floor to the Holiday Spirit with the recreation of a Christmas Village.
Want to visit a Holiday Market? Try the Bryant Park or the Union Square. Happy Holidays!
Located in the heart of SoHo, The Mercer Hotel is an upscale, discreet haven where fashionistas and celebrities gather at the upstairs bar. The Greenwich Hotel, owned by Robert De Niro, is a hidden gem with spacious rooms by city standards, meeting all your expectations for New York accommodation. Located in the Lower East Side, the PUBLIC Hotel features super stylish rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. True to its name, the hotel's public spaces are designed to encourage social gatherings. If you want to steer clear of the bustling crowds and stay in the more peaceful Brooklyn, The Hoxton provides the best Manhattan views right from your room, while Arlo Williamsburg features a rooftop pool with a lively party atmosphere.